There are many reasons why businesses should embrace the concept of energy-efficiency.
1. Benefits of Making Your Business Energy Efficient
Many people mistakenly think that sustainable practices are just about preserving the environment. Although this is the main goal, there’s a business case for energy efficiency. So, here’s to all those businesses who claim they don’t have the time or resources to invest in making their operations more sustainable.
It will benefit your top line
Many corporations are feeling the pressure from consumers to truly become greener and take action to reduce their carbon footprint. Customers tend to favor businesses that have practices in line with their own beliefs, morals, and priorities and sustainability is a big part of that.
It can create a competitive advantage
Being truly green helps you develop a strong competitive advantage that will strengthen your brand. Brands that build a strong reputation also enjoy greater pricing power.
It can benefit your bottom line
Besides being able to charge more, energy-efficient practices will help you save money over the long haul. Besides saving you money through lowered Toledo Edison utility costs, the Environment Protection Agency Energy Star for small businesses claims that companies can increase their energy efficiency by as much as 30% through the use of certain cost-effective technologies.
Attract talent and enjoy employee loyalty
Being a sustainable and environmentally conscious company can help improve your employer brand. You’ll be more likely to attract and retain top talent as employees will be proud and happy to work for you so get to eliminate significant turnover costs.
2. Energy Efficiency Guide for Your Business
Every project becomes with a plan so you need to create a roadmap towards making your business more eco-friendly, efficient and sustainable.
Find a way to involve everyone
Eco-conscious companies are green head to toe which means everyone has the opportunity to contribute towards creating an eco-friendlier company. Little changes that your employees implement can make a big difference. Make them champions of your energy efficiency plans and get them excited about it. To truly be a sustainable company, energy efficiency needs to integrate within your corporate culture, and getting employee buy-in from the start is the way to start on the right foot.
Get an energy audit
Like a regular audit, an energy audit will help you identify areas where you need to improve.
Do your homework
Research small business energy incentives and rebates that you may be eligible for to reduce the cost of your investment.
Make your office space greener
Use energy-efficient lightbulbs but use natural light as much as you can. Get plants to improve air quality and provide shade. Use fans to improve airflow and reduce the strain on your AC. Install a programmable thermostat and consider installing solar panels as heating and cooling costs consume the most energy. You can also encourage a casual dress code as this will keep employees comfortable and cooler during summer and warmer during winter, so the thermostat doesn’t have to work as hard. Make a code of conduct that encourages employees to turn off lights and devices when they are not in use and eliminate wasteful printing. Buy second-hand equipment that works like new to save money and eliminate the waste required to get a new product. Use green cleaning products to sanitize the space.
Takeaway – Being an energy efficient and sustainable company shows that you’re a company that can be trusted both by potential employees and your customers. The business benefits of becoming more energy-efficient far outweigh the possible costs of making moves to be more efficient. In a nutshell, it will help you attract more customers and employees, and save you money over the long-haul. The best part is that being energy efficient and sustainable is much easier to put into action than many believe. It all begins with the right mindset.